Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Stability and Structure of Bat Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I with Heterologous β2-Microglobulin
Published on: March 10, 2021
The major histocompatibility complex class Ib molecule HLA-E at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity
L C Sullivan1, C S Clements, J Rossjohn
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
Abstract:
The non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-E is the least polymorphic of all the MHC class I molecules and acts as a ligand for receptors of both the innate and the adaptive immune systems. The recognition of self-peptides complexed to HLA-E by the CD94-NKG2A receptor expressed by natural killer (NK) cells represents a crucial checkpoint for immune surveillance by NK cells. However, HLA-E can also be recognised by the T-cell receptor expressed by alphabeta CD8 T cells and therefore can play a role in the adaptive immune response to invading pathogens. The recent resolution of HLA-E in complex with both innate and adaptive ligands has provided insight into the dual role of this molecule in immunity.
Related Concept Videos
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Antigen Processing Pathways
MHC Class I: Presenting Endogenous...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...

